In the Sri Lanka-India U19 clash on Sunday where the Sri Lanka Under-19 cricket team went down to India by 90 runs in their World Cup opener, one particular moment brought eyes all around the world on a young seamer from Sri Lanka – Matheesha Pathirana.
In the 4th over of the Indian innings, Pathirana bowled a wide delivery to Yashasvi Jaiswal, which was recorded at 175kph (108mph), making it the fastest recorded ball ever bowled in international cricket – across all levels.
Malinga-like Matheesha Pathirana added to Sri Lanka U19 squad
Even though the umpire signaled a wide, the speed-gun recorded the astronomical pace of the delivery as it zoomed past Jaiswal and into the wicketkeeper’s gloves. However, it turned out that there was an error in the recording.
The fastest ever recorded delivery in international cricket was bowled by former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar when he let one rip at 161.3kph (100mph) in an ODI vs England during the World Cup 2003.
Here are the top-3 fastest balls bowled in the history of senior international cricket:
161.3kph: Shoaib Akhtar, ODI v England in 2003 at Newlands
161.1kph: Shaun Tait, ODI v England in 2010 at Lord’s
161.1kph: Brett Lee, ODI v NZ in 2005 at Napier
